The Moon Area High School Girls Varsity Basketball team has had an eventful and competitive season, showcasing determination, resilience, and undeniable talent. Throughout multiple matchups against formidable opponents, the team demonstrated both individual brilliance and cohesive team play. With each game, the team not only displayed impressive athleticism but also a strong sense of teamwork, discipline, and strategic play that made them a force to be reckoned with.

Season Highlights:
The season was marked by several thrilling victories and hard-fought battles. One of the biggest wins came against New Castle High School, where Moon dominated with a 54-24 victory, led by Jaedin Griggs’ 23 points and Maria Depner’s 11 points. The game demonstrated Moon’s ability to take control early, setting the pace and maintaining their lead throughout.
Another crucial triumph was against Butler Area Senior High School, where Moon edged out a 58-56 win in a nail-biting game, with Depner scoring 20 points and Griggs adding 18 points. The intensity of this match highlighted the team’s resilience and ability to handle high-pressure situations, making this victory one of their most defining moments of the season.
Moon also pulled off a significant win over Mars Area High School with a 51-43 final score. Griggs and Depner led the charge again with 22 and 20 points, respectively, while Adriana D’Alesio added a valuable six points. This victory was particularly impressive as the team had to make key adjustments at halftime to secure the win.
The team proved their strength again against West Allegheny High School, clinching a 53-48 victory behind a stellar 26-point performance from Griggs. Other notable victories included close encounters against Montour High School (43-40), Pine Richland High School (50-42), and Armstrong River Hawks High School (40-31), showcasing Moon’s ability to persevere in tight situations. Each of these games tested the team’s defensive skills, patience, and ability to execute crucial plays when it mattered most.

Challenges and Learning Moments:
While Moon celebrated many victories, the team also faced tough challenges. A 49-20 loss against Blackhawk High School and a 63-39 defeat to South Fayette High School tested the team’s resilience. These matchups served as valuable learning experiences, revealing areas that needed improvement and pushing the team to refine their defensive strategies.
A close game against Chartiers Valley High School ended in a 35-33 defeat, despite Maria Depner’s strong 15-point performance. The game was a defensive battle, with both teams struggling to gain a decisive edge. Moon also faced a tough rematch against South Fayette, falling 51-24, despite Depner once again leading with 15 points. These losses, while disappointing, only fueled the team’s determination to improve and bounce back stronger.

Key Players and Standout Performances:
Several players consistently stepping up to lead the team
• Jaedin Griggs: A scoring powerhouse, Griggs recorded multiple high-scoring games, including 30 points against New Castle and 27 points against Pine Richland. Her ability to control the court and create scoring opportunities made her an invaluable asset.

• Maria Depner: A reliable scorer and key playmaker, Depner contributed significantly in every game, with standout performances of 20 points against Butler and 18 points against Montour. Her leadership and ability to step up in crucial moments proved vital for the team’s success.

• Jayla Brown: Provided valuable contributions, including 16 points in the win over Armstrong and consistent scoring efforts throughout the season. Her defensive play and hustle made her an essential part of the lineup.
• Anya Schwartz: A strong support player, Schwartz chipped in crucial points in key matchups and played a significant role in keeping the team’s energy high.
• Adriana D’Alesio and Katie DeMarco: Played important supporting roles, helping to balance the team’s offensive and defensive strategies. Their contributions, though sometimes off the scoreboard, played a huge part in the team’s overall performance.
Looking Ahead:
The Moon Area High School Girls Varsity Basketball team has shown remarkable talent, teamwork, and perseverance throughout the season. With continued hard work and development, the future looks bright for this squad. The experiences of this season will serve as a strong foundation for the next, with the players gaining invaluable knowledge on handling high-pressure situations and improving their technical skills. Now they will be stepping into to section playoffs facing the challenging talent they faced throughout the season.
As the team looks to the future, building on their defensive strategies and refining their offensive plays will be key focus areas. The coaching staff and players alike are committed to learning from their losses and amplifying their strengths. With the strong core of players returning next season, Moon Area High School fans can expect more thrilling performances and a relentless pursuit of excellence.
Player Shout-Outs:
A huge shout-out to Jaedin Griggs for her consistent scoring dominance, Maria Depner for her leadership and clutch performances, Jayla Brown for her defensive and offensive contributions, and Anya Schwartz, Adriana D’Alesio, and Katie DeMarco for their efforts in crucial moments. Each player played a vital role in making this season exciting and competitive!
Special recognition also goes out to the coaching staff and support personnel who dedicated their time and effort to the team’s success. Their guidance and commitment helped shape the players into a stronger, more unified group.
As the team looks forward to future challenges, Moon Area High School fans can take pride in a squad that never backs down, fights until the final buzzer, and continues to grow with every game.